I had the privilege of serving with George Deukmejian when he was in the state Legislature, and supporting him when he ran and was elected.

Attorney General and Gov. Deukmejian was a man of integrity, principal, a wonderful role model and great friend. Unlike many politicians, George was not plastic or artificial — he was devoted to his family, his Christian faith and proud of his Armenian heritage.

He had the opportunity to be considered for President George H.W. Bush’s running mate in 1988 and had he accepted, the Bush-Deukmejian ticket could have defeated the Clinton-Gore ticket.He would have been a strong presidential contender in 1992. However, his priority was to return to his family and his home in Long Beach when his term as governor ended.

— Michael D. Antonovich,The letter writer is a former Los Angeles County supervisor

Trump supporters make excuses for his serial lying

Has lying become the new normal? As a 72-year-old United States Air Force veteran who was taught from a very young age to always tell the truth, I find it impossible to explain to my grandchildren that it’s OK for the president of the United States of America to lie!

Even his supporters admit “it’s OK, because other presidents lied”! So do I tell them lying is OK because other people lie?

Whatever your political preference is, this has to stop! Perhaps we need a new movement — TIP: Truth In Politics!

— Rick Raum, Banning

Stop with the vitriolic political rhetoric

I am so saddened to see one of the finest public servants in our community, Supervisor Janice Rutherford, maligned by supporters of her opponent.

We need dialogue and the ability to address the issues within our community, and the community and Marc Steinorth must disavow the vitriol directed at Rutherford by both his supporters and advertisements placed on his behalf.To not do so is a dereliction of his responsibility as a candidate as well as negating his moral right to try to be elected to this office.

We must reject bringing the blood sport we see at the national level of our body politic into our local community.

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